Further instructions will be given you at that point. Forage and rations are expected to arrive to-night, and if so, they will be issued with all dispatch.

Very respectfully,

M. A. RENO,

Captain and Chief of Staff.

Abstract from field return of the Third Division, Cavalry Corps, commanded by Brigadier General James H. Wilson, for August 24, 1864.

For duty. Horses.

Troops. Offi Men Men Aggreg Offic Men's, Men's

cers fully not ate ers.' service,

equipp fully presen able. unser

ed. equip t and vicea

ped. absent ble.

Division 12 64 25 101 36 85 -

headquart

ers

First 107 1,856 130 2,333 226 2,160 164

Brigade

Second 56 1,242 111 1,573 149 1,587 106

Brigade

Total 175 3,162 266 4,007 411 3,832 270

Battery M 3 116 - 133 - 209 -

Batteries 3 106 - 128 - 194 -

C and E

Total 181 3,384 266 4,268 411 4,235 270

POINT OF ROCKS, MD., August 24, 1864.

Brigadier-General STEVENSON,

Commanding:

A scouting party of twenty-four men started yesterday to Loudoun County, crossing the river at Point of Rocks ford; from there went to Waterford, thence to Wheatland and Southerville, Va., and Short Hill Mountain; returned this morning, having seen or heard of no rebels except a few straggling guerrillas. I hear from reliable authority that up to noon of the 23rd there was no force east of Blue Ridge. Another scout is out.

A. N. DUFFIE,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,

Shepherdstown, Va., August 24, 1864

Brigadier-General AVERELL,

Commanding Second Division:

GENERAL: The chief of cavalry directs me to inform you that a reconnaissance sent out from the First Division arrived in Martinsburg yesterday morning and found no enemy. Their pickets were on the Winchester pike, about five miles out. There has been no enemy in the town, except a small party on Saturday. Lieutenant Finley, son of surgeon-general, was found there. Do you know anything of him? The railroad is destroyed pretty effectually near Kearneysville. You